Therapeutic Approaches

Counselling and Psychotherapy offer an opportunity to talk about issues, experiences and feelings, whether past or present, which may be causing distress. The aim is to help you find ways of understanding yourself, making choices and finding your own unique ways of resolving your difficulties, so that you can feel more in tune with yourself and your life. The therapists work from a variety of perspectives, as below.

Integrative Therapy

is a rich and carefully considered interweaving of different therapeutic approaches, which will vary from one therapist to another. The therapist will work with you as an individual in whatever way she feels will best resonate with you and the material you bring. The therapist offers skilful witnessing, as well as sensitivity, intuition, and sound theoretical knowledge of a range of disciplines.

Transpersonal Therapy

explores past and present wounds, distresses and possibilities with the intention of moving towards a sense of potential, purpose, self-fulfilment, and transformation. The interconnection of mind, body, heart and spirit is held central in the process. Several Spiral therapists are trained in Psychosynthesis, one of the most well known transpersonal approaches.

Core Process Psychotherapy

Core Process psychotherapy is based on an understanding that within the conscious mind there is a deeper wisdom that moves naturally towards healing. Integration and healing come from insight into the ways in which we hold on to our suffering, and from a deeper connection with the openness, compassion and wisdom at the heart of the human experience. Core Process work is Mindfulness-based: we explore what is happening in the present moment with our energies, sensations, feelings, mental processes and their expressions in the body, and reflect on how this may be an expression of our past conditioning and experiences.

Nicole Verity, Sylvia Wingens

Spiritual Counselling

works within an explicit context of an energy greater than ourselves, whatever we understand by that, whatever we call that: spirit, love, god/dess, life. Often the matter being considered is also within that realm, such as: Why am I here on earth? What is holding me when all else fails? What can I trust to be always there, and good? How can I accept myself as I am?

Aleine Ridge, Nicole Verity

Transcultural Therapy

holds an awareness of diversity and difference, recognising how a person’s cultural context and experience can affect their lives, and taking this into account when interpreting meanings around people’s issues. The therapist is mindful of issues of prejudice and oppression, noticing how power dynamics are manifested in the therapeutic work and holding a willingness to acknowledge her part in this. All Spiral therapists have a commitment to sensitivity around transcultural issues; those with particularly deep experience are listed below.

Humanistic Therapy

describes a number of therapies which give central focus to the person’s perception of their own reality, seeking understanding more than interpretation. These therapies include person-centred, transpersonal, gestalt and existential therapy, all of which place trust in a person’s innate wisdom and self-healing ability.

Person Centred Therapy

sees people as the experts on themselves, and offers support through acceptance, empathy and openness, rather than through interpretations. The therapist offers a relationship of safety and trust through which people can explore their issues and feelings, in order to arrive at self-acceptance and an openness to their potential.

Aleine Ridge, Afra Bell, Bernie Bane, Nicole Verity

Psychodynamic Therapy

looks at childhood experiences and interprets how they might affect present relationships and life choices. As part of this you will explore how you relate to your therapist, as this is seen as a reflection of your significant early relationships. As you start to distinguish between past and present, you move towards clearer relating, and a knowledge and understanding of yourself.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

explores how our thoughts, beliefs and ideas affect the way we feel and act. Many emotional difficulties arise through beliefs and assumptions which are often based on past experiences. These beliefs may have been helpful at the time but are less relevant now. CBT aims to shift thoughts and behaviour in order to find more helpful ways of being in the world.

Lowina Simms

Integrative Psychosexual Therapy

holds the perspective of psychosexual health rather than dysfunction, and an integrative understanding of human sexuality which encompasses the physical, emotional, spiritual, social and cultural environment. It explores the therapeutic meaning and potential of clients’ sexual issues as well as providing information and self-help tools. Supported within a therapeutic relationship, clients can rediscover themselves sexually and develop a more conscious sexual self-esteem.

Aleine Ridge

Couples Therapy

is for people wanting to explore any close relationship with another person, for instance a partner, family member, friend or colleague. The therapist will not ‘take sides’ or apportion blame, but will help to explore what might be helpful and what harmful within the dynamics of the relationship.

Aleine Ridge, Deborah Berger

Creative Arts Therapy

works integratively to heal and nurture the creative spark that is within us all, using a range of creative and expressive tools including talk, visualisation, art and drama.

Attachment Theory

is concerned with understanding what sort of bond we formed as children with our parents or primary caregivers. If the bond was insecure, it will often negatively affect our adult relationships, and be echoed in the therapeutic relationship between a client and their therapist. This offers an opportunity to notice and work through patterns that limit our relationships, and to create ways of bonding that are potentially more secure, nurturing and healing.